2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Lexus RX:
Safety comparison — crash avoidance & crash test ratings

Side-by-side comparison of standard crash-avoidance technologies and NHTSA/IIHS crash test ratings. Driver assistance and convenience features are covered in the full comparison.

2026 Lexus NX
78
MotiveGrid Safety Score
vs
2026 Lexus RX
72
MotiveGrid Safety Score
1 advantages for Lexus NX0 advantages for Lexus RX5 tied featuresFull comparison

Quick take

The Lexus NX holds a modest edge in overall safety (78 vs 72), reflecting slightly stronger crash-avoidance equipment or crash-test performance. Both vehicles are evenly matched on the 4 core crash-avoidance technologies. The Lexus NX achieves a higher IIHS designation (Top Safety Pick+ vs Not awarded). Overall, the Lexus NX has the stronger safety package, leading on 1 of 6 measured features versus 0 for the Lexus RX (5 tied). Check the full comparison for cost of ownership, powertrain, and livability scores — safety is one of five pillars in the MotiveGrid Score.

Crash avoidance(0–0–4)

(Wins–Losses–Ties for Lexus NX vs Lexus RX)

Crash avoidance comparison: 2026 Lexus NX versus 2026 Lexus RX
FeatureLexus NXLexus RX
Automatic emergency braking
Detects imminent forward collision and applies brakes autonomously to reduce or avoid impact.
 Yes Yes
Forward collision warning
Alerts driver to an impending forward collision with visual and/or audible warnings.
 Yes Yes
Blind spot monitoring
Warns when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot zone, typically with mirror indicators.
 No No
Rear cross-traffic alert
Alerts to approaching cross-traffic when reversing out of a parking space or driveway.
 No No

Crash test ratings(1–0–1)

(Wins–Losses–Ties for Lexus NX vs Lexus RX)

Crash test ratings comparison: 2026 Lexus NX versus 2026 Lexus RX
FeatureLexus NXLexus RX
NHTSA overall
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration overall star rating (1–5). Crash test scores for frontal, side, and rollover.
—4 ★
IIHS overall
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety top award — Top Safety Pick+ is the highest designation.
Top Safety Pick+▲Not awarded—

Data reflects standard equipment at the base MSRP. Optional packages like Ford BlueCruise, GM Super Cruise, and Tesla FSD are not scored (Tesla FSD is the lone curated exception). Crash test data from NHTSA and IIHS. ADAS data verified against manufacturer spec pages.

← Full 2026 Lexus NX vs 2026 Lexus RX comparisonSafety scoring methodology →

See the full Lexus NX vs Lexus RX comparison — all five pillars including cost of ownership, powertrain, driver assistance, and livability:

← Full comparison (all 5 pillars)Safety scoring methodology →Car safety ratings explained →MotiveGrid rankings →